How old do kittens have to be, to be adopted?

My kittens are 5 weeks old and have started eating kitten food. My mom is really pushing to give them away next week, but I'm worried that that might be too early. What age should we put the kittens up for adoption?

5-6 weeks is too young to "give them away", which you should NOT do. Kittens given away for free run the risk of being used at bait for fighting dogs and sold into research, and worse. You absolutely need to make sure that whoever gets a kitten is going to give it a good home. Don't just pass them out, please!!! Ask at LEAST $15.00 for each kitten. At the age of 5-6 weeks,kittens are still learning their social skills and potty skills from mama cat. They are also still accustoming themselves to eating regular food. I'd wait a few more weeks and tell your mom to cool her jets. You also need to get mama cat spayed so you don't have to deal with this again. Check out low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area. Rescue and humane shelters usually have a list.

6 weeks is too young to be adopted. 8 weeks is the absolute minimum. 12 weeks is ideal. Kittens learn a lot of "social skills" at that age from their mother and litter-mates such as not to bite, scratch, and play too rough. Most shelters will not let a kitten be adopted till at least 8 weeks old. Good, reputable breeders will not sell a kitten younger than 12 weeks. Do NOT adopt these kittens out till they are at least 8 weeks old. Later would be even better. Also do NOT give these kittens away. Ask for a small adoption fee, even $10. Free cats and kittens can meet horrific ends in research labs and as dog-fighting bait. I would recommend asking for a vet reference and a personal reference. Don't give them away to just anyone.

The kittens are too young to be given away at age 6 weeks. What is the bug hurry? Ask your mother if she would like it if she nursed a baby and then someone took it away? You need to assure your mother that you will take very good care of the kittens and clean up after them, etc. Maybe then she will allow you to keep them until they are older. I would suggest older than 8 weeks (possibly 12 weeks). By the way, did anyone get the mother spayed so she won't get pregnant again? Otherwise, you are going to have the same problem in a few months. The kittens need their mother right now and nursing from her is the best nourishment these kittens will get besides any kitten food they may be eating at this time. Tell mom you need to keep the kittens longer and hold up your end of the bargain as well. Best of luck.

Member 185886
answered on 7/23/10.
Helpful? /1

Six weeks is WAY too young! Ideally kittens should be kept with the mother and littermates until 12-14 weeks old.